PATRIARCHY IS ABUSE
Use of child sexual abuse material is often associated with other forms of violence – researchers gathered unique data from users of child sexual abuse material on the dark web
University of Eastern Finland
Individuals charged with sexual offenses against adults are also at high risk of committing crimes against children. Up to 40% of these individuals reported interest in sexual violence against children aged 0–3 years, and 80% have been charged with other types of violent crimes. Alarmingly, many continue to seek child sexual abuse material and attempt to contact children despite having been previously charged.
These are findings from a recently published, unique international study where researchers gathered data from sexual offenders operating on the dark web. The goal was to gain deeper insight into the methods, patterns and trends of online sexual violence against children. The study was conducted as part of the Knowledge to Protect (2KNOW) project led by Protect Children, in collaboration with the University of Eastern Finland and the Council of the Baltic Sea States.
Support for criminal investigations
The researchers analysed 2,384 anonymous responses gathered from users of the dark web. Most respondents were young men aged 18–34 who sought child sexual abuse material involving girls.
The respondents were non-incarcerated individuals actively seeking child sexual abuse material via search engines available on the dark web. The study compared individuals who had been charged with a sexual offence vs. those who had not been charged, finding significant differences in their behaviours and motivations.
“Those who had been charged with a sexual offence had, significantly more often than those who had not been charged, a background in other violent crimes as well, and they were more often in contact with children, or sought to lure children into contact with them. These individuals also expressed the keenest interested in child sexual abuse material involving very young children,” says University Lecturer and Forensic Psychologist Hanna Lahtinen of the University of Eastern Finland.
The dark web is an increasingly prominent platform for distributing child sexual abuse material. According to the latest estimates, more than 300 million children fall victim to online sexual violence every year. Most users of this material go unnoticed by law enforcement, and little is known about users of child sexual abuse material who have not been convicted.
“We were particularly surprised by the fact that many respondents reported continuing their criminal activity despite being charged. Previous studies have estimated recidivism to be low.”
The new findings emerging from the study, including those related to offenders’ motivations, are useful for planning interventions and preventive measures, as well as for criminal investigations.
Multiple underlying factors – researchers also identify prevention methods
The findings showed that a common factor underlying these crimes is an individual’s sexual interest in children. However, other factors also play a role, such as issues with emotional regulation, high sex drive and a thrill-seeking nature. Factors that lower the threshold for committing these crimes include adverse childhood experiences, substance abuse and desensitisation to adult pornography.
“This type of criminal behaviour is also facilitated by the rapid development of technology, the anonymity provided by the internet and easy access to content depicting sexual violence,” Lahtinen notes.
Individuals seeking material depicting sexual violence against children identified effective crime prevention methods, including intervention programmes and warning messages that increase the fear of getting caught and facing serious legal consequences.
An effective model of peer support for parents of children who have fallen victim to sexual violence
Funded by the European Commission, another objective of the two-year 2KNOW project was to develop and offer a model of peer support for parents and guardians whose child has fallen victim to sexual violence.
The model was prepared based on information and experiences gathered from Protect Children’s You Are Enough™ peer support groups. Previously, many parents have been left completely alone to deal with a burdensome situation, unable to share their stressful experiences with anyone.
“Many have tried to support both their child and other family members without receiving any support themselves. Parents found peer support, especially that received in online groups, valuable. As a result, they were also better able to support their child,” says Nina Vaaranen-Valkonen, Executive Director of Protect Children.
Drawing on the positive experiences gained, these support groups will be offered to parents both in Finland and internationally. Furthermore, Protect Children’s guides for parents will be translated into different languages. The goal of the peer support model, led by professionals, and the guides, is not only to support parents but also to provide information and guidance, and to support the child’s recovery process while also promoting digital safety skills.
More than 18,000 respondents already
The survey related to the study is still open on the dark web, having attracted over 18,400 responses so far. The survey is available in a total of 15 different languages.
Nina Vaaranen-Valkonen notes that determined efforts to protect children continue and are strengthened by research.
“We have ensured that the project’s findings are being implemented in practice. Our newest research project will continue to focus on offenders, delving deeper into the role of technology in online sexual crimes against children.”
Journal
Child Abuse & Neglect
Article Title
Investigating the disparities among child sexual abuse material users: Anonymous self-reports from both charged and uncharged individuals
Article Publication Date
18-Feb-2025
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